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COMMENDING F. E. BURLESON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM, AS STATE NOMINEE FOR
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
2014 GREEN RIBBON SCHOOL AWARD

WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education recognizes the importance of saving energy, reducing costs, creating environmentally sustainable learning spaces, and protecting health and fostering wellness for Alabama students; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education recognizes those schools in the nation that are striving to achieve an energy-efficient and healthy school environment with the Green Ribbon School Award; and

WHEREAS, F. E. Burleson Elementary School in the Hartselle City School System has been nominated for the Green Ribbon School Award for its innovation to improving its environmental impact and energy efficiency and environmental and sustainability education and over 153 geothermal wells provide energy to heat and cool the school and provide opportunities to teach about alternate energy; and

WHEREAS, F. E. Burleson Elementary School has positively challenged its students with authentic learning experiences involving a sustainable gardening greenhouse, composting, bird and butterfly habitats; and

WHEREAS, F. E. Burleson Elementary School offers instruction in sustainability and recycling, paired with an “experiencing nature” approach to learning and not only emphasize responsibility for the planet and its resources, but also promote respect for students while instilling and fostering leadership potential; and

WHEREAS, F. E. Burleson Elementary School has an Alabama Certified Outdoor Classroom, providing numerous benefits for learners not found in the typical classroom setting and this hands-on learning environment gives students an intimate glimpse into the natural world around them more so than merely studying it from a book; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has announced three Alabama schools as 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Sustainability Awardees, and the schools will be recognized on July 22, 2014, in Washington D.C.; and

WHEREAS, for three years Alabama schools have been recognized by the USDE Green Ribbon Schools program:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend F. E. Burleson Elementary School for its commitment to environmental awareness and education and does hereby express its congratulations to the students and educators of F. E. Burleson Elementary School and the Hartselle City School System.